Climate Change and Energy

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity in the coming decades. Wealthy countries are responsible for the largest share of global CO2 emissions, yet the consequences of climate change predominantly impact people in the Global South, especially in Africa. Here, other challenges seem as pressing: half of Africa’s growing population still has no access to electricity. One of the key questions moving forward will be to find the balance between increasing access to and consumption of electricity in order to improve quality of life, and at the same time ensuring an equitable transition towards a low-carbon economy.

Europe is setting new standards for climate protection with the so-called Green Deal. Reaching the 2015 Paris Agreement’s goals, however, will only be possible with global strategies and action.

The African Union’s Agenda 2063 establishes the goal of environmentally friendly and sustainable economic development. With a growing middle class and further urban development, Africa’s energy demand is ever rising. At the same time, our neighbouring continent has an enormous potential for renewable energies. According to recent studies, it would not only be able to cover its own energy needs, but could produce enough energy to supply the world.

In order to meet its own energy demands and contribute to reaching global climate protection goals, the Global North and South need to work together and support each other to answer the most relevant questions: how can the energy required for economic development be generated while achieving the climate goals? How can Europe and Africa best work together?